Game 37: Canucks Battle Their Oceanic Foes

War Of The NHL’s WaterWorld

The NHL’s perennial chokers are playing in San Jose Wednesday night; and no I don’t mean the VancouverCanucks. Yes, the great whites of the Bay Area and killer orcas of the Juan De Fuca Strait square off for the 2nd time this season.

Canucks vs. Sharks - War Of The NHL's Waterworld

The first tilt saw the Canucks come out on top 3-2, and the game was also played in Cali.

That was November 26, and this is now.

We are post-Christmas and the Canucks have continued to trend in the right direction; a nice present for Vancouverites.

Meanwhile, the Sharks have gone a mediocre 5-3-2 in their last 10 and are tied with Dallas for the Pacific Division Lead.

1) FOCUS

Oddly enough, the Sharks next game after this one is January 2nd in Vancouver. But before that game goes down, the Canucks face Anaheim and LA in Cali. A strange schedule indeed (and when isn’t it?) but the point being in a home and home situation, you’re trying to win while also taking notes on the opponent for next game.

The Sharks are in this position. The Canucks on the other hand have to just take this game as it comes and move on to a new foe.

The Sharks are looking ahead while Vancouver is solely focused on the present.

ADVANTAGE: Vancouver

2) THE BIG 3…OR 4

Dangerous as usual, Vancouver has to watch out for the ever powerful Sharks top line of Jumbo Joe, Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski. On top of that, there is Logan Couture who is following up a Calder Trophy Finalist Season with another near PPG output.

As mentioned, these players are ALWAYS dangerous, but especially with a home record of 12-7-1, if they smell blood, they will feast on the Canucks.

Then again, the Canucks have the twins who actually are averaging over a PPG, not to mention the likes of Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler finding their stride as of late. The offensive talent on both sides is enormous but alas:

ADVANTAGE: Vancouver

3) AV’s LINE JUGGLING

The team announced Tuesday that winger Chris Higgins would not travel on the road trip. He apparently has the same mystery staph infection as before, except it is now in his hand. Higgy needs to stay away from all the needles in the Canucks locker room. Anyhow, this is going to force Viggy’s hand with Booth still out to play Raymond and Hansen up on the 2nd line again.

The team announced Tuesday that winger Chris Higgins would not travel on the road trip.

The 3rd line should be Weise-Hodgson-Ebbett. Andrew Ebbett proved he does in fact have some hands and speed on Monday vs. Edmonton. Weise was handed no suspension so he could take that other wing on the 3rd.

BREAKING: @news1130sports tweeted Wednesday morning the Canucks have called up Mark Mancari on an emergency basis. Mancari had 0 points and 3 shots in 3 games between Dec. 15 and Dec. 19 and had an even rating.

Looks like HE will fill in on the 4th, and we’ll probably see Mancari with Manny and Lappy.

With all the potential line juggling going on, the Canucks should be fine but it’s basically asking for something bad to happen so let’s go:

ADVANTAGE: San Jose

4) GOALTENDING

Yes the tending of the goal is ever important. Roberto Luongo is likely to get the start Wednesday and the same goes for Antii Niemi.

Both tenders (not chicken) have sub-par records against the other team all-time (Niemi 2-5-0; Luongo 7-10-1) but let’s remember that doesn’t include the playoffs. Ah thank you.

Luongo of course won all 4 games versus San Josie and the Pussycats in May during the WCF and frankly, has Niemi’s number. Believe it or not, it may be Luongo who is in someone else’s head for a change.

Oh and even if Schneider were to start, he is 3-1-0 lifetime against the Sharks. BOOM, DONE!